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Spotlight [10] is a podcast feature series that highlights sound storytelling through fiction, non-fiction and comedy productions. Learn more about the world around you, or dive into a new reality built on sound storytelling.
Welcome to Spotlight 10. We share our favorite stories with you, spreading the full range of fiction, non fiction, and comedy. Learn more about the world around you or dive into a new reality built on sound storytelling. Each of these feature episodes has been crafted by a different host with a different style. Let's jump into this week's episode.
Speaker 2:Everyone is aware that driving a motor vehicle can be extremely dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one point one nine million people die each year as a result road traffic crashes, not to mention millions more who have sustained severe injuries. Roadway crashes are so common, most people will be involved in an accident at least once in their life. However, for many people, modern safety features and low impact accidents let most people walk away without much consequence. But what happens if you strip away those safety features and the protective car shell that absorbs the impact?
Speaker 2:Well, that's the reality for the motorcycle riders we all share the road with. Even small accidents can mean life or death. While EMT work and motorcycle riding seem like an odd mix, EMT firefighter Bradley Anderson has both the perspective of a rider and a first responder.
Speaker 3:I am a firefighter EMT in the state of Illinois, and I've been riding motorcycles for probably over two years now. I've been a licensed EMT through the state of Illinois for just about a year. Some of the dangers that immediately present with my experience with motorcycles, for one, is lack of gear, Two, being other drivers. And three, how new drivers on motorcycles typically get into more accidents. In my experience, most motorcycle accidents tend to be way more severe than car accidents due to lack of devices.
Speaker 3:Obviously, there's airbags in cars. On motorcycles, all you really have is leather gear and a helmet, and some people don't even choose to use that.
Speaker 2:The heightened risk of death or serious injury on the roads makes safety absolutely essential for motorcycle riders. Without the same level of protection that cars provide, riders must remain constantly alert, ride defensively, and anticipate the mistakes of others. However, safety isn't just the rider's responsibility. Drivers play a major role too. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, means drivers must take extra care to check their mirrors, signal properly, and give riders the space they deserve.
Speaker 2:A moment of distraction or impatience behind the wheel can have life changing consequences for someone on a motorcycle.
Speaker 3:I went out to this one scene and this kid was not paying attention. The suspected thought was he was on his phone while riding his bike and he was going way too fast for what he should have been going on and he ended up driving at about 85 miles an hour straight into the back of a truck. So, that that's a pretty common example of motorcycle accidents. Obviously, it turned into a DOA situation or dead on arrival. So it was just kinda like you don't get a second chance with something like that.
Speaker 3:So touching base a little bit on road safety. So with my experience of riding and other people's, you definitely have to be way more alert when you're riding a bike than in a car because cars can't always see you. There's always a chance someone could hit you or something could run out in front of the road, say a deer, you know, in Illinois. That's pretty common. Same with Michigan.
Speaker 3:With a bike, really need to be careful, even defensive driving, because when you do that and you get tunnel vision, you're super paranoid about everything, then you could brake too early and then someone could rear end you because motorcycle brakes work way more efficiently than car brakes.
Speaker 2:With all the dangers of riding, some people might wonder what the appeal of motorcycles are. Riding motorcycles is a decently popular hobby considering how treacherous it can be. So this begs the question, what pros outweigh the cons for riders? The short answer, freedom and community.
Speaker 3:Big draw for most riders, like, especially me, is the adrenaline. I'm in a very adrenaline heavy field and that converts over to my hobbies as well. There's some that just do it for the sense of freedom, which is totally normal. You know? People on cruisers or, you know, adventure bikes or some people that use dual sports just so they can do, like, ATV trails or they can go on the dunes or they can go on snow.
Speaker 3:There's also a draw for the bike community. A lot of the bike community is pretty welcoming, and a lot of it's, like, pretty beginner friendly, not to mention all the social media. It's a big allure for people, and it's kinda just one of the main things that attract people to the community itself.
Speaker 2:Beyond the thrill, there's a strong bond among bikers that outsiders might not understand. Riders often wave to each other on the road, gather for charity rides, and support one another in times of need. It's a tight knit network built on shared respect and understanding of the risks they face. This sense of belonging is part of what keeps people riding despite the dangers. Unfortunately, not everyone views motorcycle riders in a positive light.
Speaker 2:Stereotypes about recklessness or danger seeking behavior often give a bad reputation to all riders, even those who are incredibly skilled, cautious, and safety conscious. Changing this perception starts with education and empathy from both sides of the road. Most motorcycle related accidents involve another vehicle, often because the driver didn't see the rider. Simple habits like waiting an extra moment before turning or merging could literally save a life.
Speaker 3:In terms of what drivers can do to, like, mitigate risks for other bikers is definitely checking blind spots. That's the number one thing I can say is check for blind spots. Make sure that you're actually paying attention, especially during, like, spring and summer months when the weather gets nicer. You know people are gonna be riding motorcycles. Just try to look out.
Speaker 3:You know? Give bikers more space if you can. Also, give them space, like, off of lights and stuff like that. Cause you know, if a new rider ever stalls at their bike, they're not gonna be able to move and you can end up hitting them. There's a very good example of this.
Speaker 3:One of my family members actually got hit by a car at a stoplight because they hit their throttle too early and they didn't even start advancing the bike yet and they end up losing their legs and having to get airlifted out of the seat.
Speaker 2:For first responders like Brad, the aftermath of motorcycle crashes can be haunting. Regardless of how a crash occurs, the person involved was important to someone, a friend or family member. An incredibly misunderstood hobby, what many see as reckless is for riders a source of freedom, connection, and peace. Changing the perspective on motorcycles is imperative to the safety of all riders. Bringing empathy to the road can help decrease tragedies.
Speaker 2:Every siren tells a story, one that doesn't always have a happy ending. For EMTs, every call means stepping into someone's worst moments, and those memories don't just fade when the shift ends. Motorcycle crashes, in particular, leave a lasting impact because of how sudden and severe they can be. It's a constant reminder of how fragile life on the road is and how every small decision behind the wheel matters.
Speaker 3:Yeah. So EMT work. I I love the job, don't get me wrong, but it is very taxing. A lot of people normally could not handle it. Your police officers and your firefighters, your first responders, they go through a lot.
Speaker 3:And even for me, I'm relatively new to it. You know? I'm only a year into it, but it's hard. It's really hard. Yeah.
Speaker 3:Going on to a scene, it's kinda like it's either, oh my god. How are you alive? Or they're just dead, with these accidents most of the time. Some of the times, you're lucky, and you don't have to, like, deal with anything too serious. But, like, with motorcycle accidents, especially, like, on one way highways or any, like, sort of area that's above 65, 70 miles an hour, like, that people just speed, it's a very dangerous situation.
Speaker 3:And a lot of the times, it takes a ladder and most people don't make it. You see a lot of bad stuff, and it's hard. It's really hard. Do I love the work and love what I do and I would ever change it? Absolutely not.
Speaker 3:I would never change what I do. Love what I do. I love helping people.
Speaker 2:Despite everything he's seen on the job, Brad still chooses to ride.
Speaker 3:So the big question. Do I say that riding is worth the risks? Yeah. I mean, for me, it is. I would say, as an EMT perspective, I wouldn't recommend it to most people.
Speaker 3:As a regular person, I would say, yeah. I would do it. The feeling of being on a motorcycle and riding around with, you know, your friends or by yourself, there's no other feeling like it. It's an amazing feeling. It's really freeing and liberating.
Speaker 3:As an EMT, it's like, hey. There's a lot of risks to this, and you gotta really outweigh it for yourself. Do I think the average person could ride and be completely fine? Yeah. Absolutely.
Speaker 3:But you also have to know what's good for you. If you feel like it's not worth the risk, don't do it.
Speaker 2:As more awareness spreads, efforts to improve motorcycle safety continue to grow. Organizations and riding groups across the country are advocating for better road design, stronger driver education, and advanced gear technology to protect riders. Organizations like Traumoto have created easy to carry kits containing life saving tools in case of a crash. They have also been traveling across The US for talks and demonstrations to further educate and spread awareness. Recently, they came to the MSU campus for a trauma seminar to teach students how to help in case of a crash.
Speaker 2:At the end of the day, every person on the road shares a common goal, to make it home safely. Whether you're behind the wheel or on two wheels, safety comes down to mutual respect and awareness. The next time you're driving and see a motorcycle, remember that rider isn't just another vehicle. They're someone's loved one chasing the same freedom we all value. A little patience and empathy can make all the difference.
Speaker 1:Like what you hear? Rate us on Spotify. Give us a like, and follow Audio Video Land on Instagram where you can find more Spotlight 10 updates, teasers, and behind the scenes content. Spotlight 10 is an AudioVideoLand production by digital storytelling students of Michigan State University in collaboration with Impact eighty nine FM.